Embraer delivers the first modernized AF-1B jet fighter to the Brazilian Navy

Embraer held the delivery ceremony, of the first modernized AF-1 (AF-1B) fighter jet to the Brazilian Navy. The AF-1 program (the name given by the Navy to the McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk) provides for the revitalization and modernization of 12 subsonic jets – nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters.
The AF-1 is an intercept and attack airplane operating from an aircraft carrier to provide air defense for the fleet. These modernized Navy jets received new navigation, weapons, power, tactical communications and sensor systems, plus computers and multimode state-of-the art radar. This equipment, along with the structural work that was performed, will make it possible for these jet fighters to continue operating until 2025.

Brazil may buy China's J-15

China was probably trying to interest Brazil in its first first generation carrier-based fighter, the J-15 according to a March 6 report in a Chinese-language military magazine based in Canada.
A military cooperation agreement may be signed to enhance the relationship between the People's Liberation Army Navy and the Brazilian Navy. As Brazil is still constructing its first nuclear-powered submarine, the SNB Alvaro Alberto and China may assist in training the crew. China could also benefit from the experience of the Brazilian Navy in operating an aircraft carrier and carrier-based aircraft.
China is continuing the improvement of J-15 fighters, as a steam-powered catapult will be installed on board China's future aircraft carrier, so stronger landing gear will be needed for the carrier-based fighter.
wantchinatimes

Brazil to Upgrade 4 Grumman C-1s for Carrier

The Brazilian Navy is proceeding with a project to refurbish four Grumman C-1A Trader carrier-onboard delivery (COD) aircraft, despite initial problems in returning the 50-year-old aircraft to service. Elbit Systems recently announced that M7 Aerospace, its wholly owned U.S. subsidiary based in San Antonio, Texas, would perform the upgrade, which includes the addition of air tanking capability. The Brazilian Navy will use the aircraft to resupply its aircraft carrier, the NAe São Paulo, and for in-flight refueling of its forthcoming fleet of refurbished A-4 Skyhawk combat aircraft.
Meanwhile, the first of the 12 A-4s that are being modernized for the Brazilian Navy is due for delivery next month. The airframes were selected from the former Kuwait air force A-4K fleet of 23 that Brazil acquired.
Brazil plans to keep its current aircraft carrier in service for another 15 to 20 years. The A-4s could eventually be replaced by the Sea Gripen version of the Swedish fighter that has been proposed by Saab. The Brazilian air force will acquire an initial 36 Gripens in a major contract that was finalized last October.
ainonline

Brazil delays A-4 aircraft upgrade programme

The Brazilian Navy will delay finalisation of its A-4BR Skyhawk upgrade programme from September 2015 to November 2017, according to a contract extension revealed at the end of November.
The first upgraded A-4 Skyhawk (known locally as AF-1/A) was originally scheduled to be delivered in 2014 and that will now shift to early 2015. The contract modification also significantly reduces the programme's value from the original USD107.5 million to USD50 million.
Embraer is the prime contractor and will upgrade 12 A-4 Skyhawks to a standard similar to the Brazilian Air Force's F-5BR programme.
janes

Armed EC-725 Undrgoes Flight Tests in Marignane

A specialized team of Helibras and Airbus Helicopters experts tested a prototype of the EC725 carrying anti-surface missiles installed on either side of the aircraft.
The Exocet AM39 missiles will equip eight of the 16 EC725 helicopters belonging to the Brazilian Navy, which are part of the contract for 50 EC725s signed with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense for the three Army corps.
More than 20 flights were performed in Marignane during a one month period, starting April 28.
defense-studies

Brazilian Navy signs Exocet missile contract

The Brazilian Navy has signed a contract with Brazilian Aerospace Avibras to develop a new version of the Exocet AM39 B2 air-to-surface missile produced by European missile house MBDA.
The weapon is to be used on the Eurocopter EC725 that is being produced for the Brazilian Navy by Helibrás in Sao Paulo.
The AM39 will have about 50% domestic content with a Brazilian motor.
janes

Brazil Plans to Build Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

Brazil plans to build an aircraft carrier with a foreign partner as part of an effort to enhance its military readiness.
Brazil will require a new aircraft carrier within 15 years and will modernize its existing one in the meantime.
Brazil has stepped up spending on military equipment in recent years as it seeks to beef up its defense mostly of natural resources, from deep-sea oil to fresh water.
In December the government chose Saab Gripen over Boeing Superhornets and Dassault Rafale to supply 36 jet fighters. Until these are ready, Sweden may provide older model Gripens to the Brazilian Air Force.
businessweek

Brazilian navy begins UAS evaluation

The Brazilian navy has begun to evaluate unmanned air systems for its missions. The two current options are the Elbit Systems Hermes 450 and Israel Aerospace Industries Heron 1, both of which are already in service in Brazil in other configurations.

flightglobal

Brazil to get its first nuclear subs

Brazil is set to join the select group of countries that have nuclear-powered submarines, President Dilma Rousseff said Friday.
Rousseff stressed Brazil was committed to peace but also needed its defense deterrent, as she inaugurated a naval shipyard in Rio de Janeiro state where the country's first nuclear-powered sub is set to be built in partnership with France.

spacewar